Is there any resource out there that identifies streets and roads that are RV friendly? We are new to this lifestyle and now that we will be driving around in a 12' high 102" wide vehicle- the thought of not knowing the "lay of the land" has me nervous. Are there maps to download into our Garmin or a Road Atlas that marks overpass heights, etc. Thanks for any info- Joe

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Is there any resource out there that identifies streets and roads that are RV friendly? We are new to this lifestyle and now that we will be driving around in a 12' high 102" wide vehicle- the thought of not knowing the "lay of the land" has me nervous. Are there maps to download into our Garmin or a Road Atlas that marks overpass heights, etc. Thanks for any info- Joe

Welcome to the RV world. I hope you enjoy many years of travel throught our great country. I have been RVing for over 30 years and fulltiming for 7 and wouldn't think of going back to a s%b house.

Go to any truckstop and buy a motorcarriers atlas. It will give you the information you are seeking. It has a lot of info in the front and truck safe routes are highlighted on the maps. You can also purchase it through randmcnally.com.

From my viewpoint, the most RV unfriendly route is through construction zones. We've driven back roads through Lancaster County, PA, been on dirt roads to get to campgrounds, etc. I've had the most problems in construction because:
1. The pavement is usually very rough and prone to causing imbalance between the two steering tires in the front
2. The lanes are very narrow, sometimes in violation of highway guidelines. A couple of years ago in Little Rock, we hit 20 miles of construction at 11:30pm. The right concrete barrier had been moved in to clear bridge pillars, leaving less than 2 lanes at each of those points. I had to force drivers to stop passing me at each one.

We've had a few smaller roads where narrow bridges or even zoned bridges were a problem. I personally find that highly crowned roads are difficult to drive but maybe that is just the way our particular RV is setup.

My point here is that no GPS is going to identify the kinds of situations that I've mentione. There are low clearance files available from www.discoveryowners.com. They call them "may overlays". Beyond that, it is just learning how to deal with them. On the way to Carter Caves near Lexington, KY, we came accross a one lane bridge. I had just inches on either side of my mirrors to get past the cement bridge wall and the construction tools on the bridge. Those are just some of the "joys" of RVing. If you take it slow, it will be fine.

Don't be afraid to travel and see the sites you want to see. I have been all over these united states in the last 30 years and have had very little trouble with roads and overpasses. Low over passes are marked well in advance and narrow winding road are the most senic. If you use part of the other lane people will move over.( You can't see america from the freeway!!!)

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My point here is that no GPS is going to identify the kinds of situations that I've mentione. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

MS Streets & Trips and DeLorme Street Atlas will use the internet to download the latest construction information. You can also download low overpasses for both these GPS programs and stand alone GPS receivers from

You can also go to the Discovery Owners Association for map overlay files for MS Streets & Tripa and DeLorme Street Atlas. Not only are there low clearances, but also Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's Club, Cracker Barrel, Flying J, and many more.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Posted April 06, 2008 08:12 AM Hide Post
You can also go to the Discovery Owners Association for map overlay files for MS Streets & Tripa and DeLorme Street Atlas. Not only are there low clearances, but also Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's Club, Cracker Barrel, Flying J, and many more.

Wasn't it Churchill who said something profound like, "Take not counsel in your own fears". I believe what ole Winne was trying to say was to don't let your own fears and dread bother your doing the job.
So, don't worry so much about this, because most roads you will travel have already been traveled by taller/wider vehicles and worry about having fun and seeing the world.